environmental (6.4-6.6)
Page 1: Distribution of Natural Energy Resources
Introduction to the idea that natural energy resources are unevenly distributed across the globe.
Importance of understanding where these resources are found, and the implications for energy policy and resource management.
Page 2: Learning Objectives and Essential Knowledge
Learning Objective
Understand the global distribution of natural energy resources.
Essential Knowledge
ENG-3.D: Natural energy resources like ores, coal, crude oil, and gas vary by region due to geological history.
Suggested Skill: Visual Representations of relationships between environmental concepts in both theoretical and applied contexts.
Page 3: Energy Reserves
Overview of Energy Reserves
Fossil Fuels (FFs) Distribution:
United States: ~100-150 years of coal reserves.
Russia: ~50-60 years of coal reserves, leading in natural gas reserves.
China: ~50 years of coal.
Australia: Coal producer.
Natural Gas Reserves (Top Countries):
Russia
Iran
Qatar
USA
Saudi Arabia
Oil Reserves (Top Countries):
Venezuela
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Canada
Iraq
Page 4: Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) & Shale Gas
Fracking Overview
Definition: Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a method to extract natural gas from shale rock layers.
Process: Involves cracking the rock using pressurized water to release trapped gas, thus increasing the natural gas supply.
Page 5: Shale Gas Reserves
Economic Considerations
Fossil fuels are non-renewable and will be depleted in time, but economic drivers prompt continued extraction and use.
Unharvested Reserves: These can represent significant economic advantages for countries with such resources.
Page 6: Tar/Oil Sands
Tar Sands Overview
Description: Bitumen deposits where crude oil can be recovered.
Challenges: Requires higher water and energy inputs compared to conventional oil extraction.
Canada: Holds the world’s largest oil sands reserves, particularly in the Alberta region.
Similar to fracking, tar/oil sands extraction extends the available supply of crude oil.
Page 7: Crude Oil/Petroleum Extraction
Extraction Process
Extracted by drilling through rock layers to reach deposits and pumping the oil under pressure.
Can also be recovered from tar sands (bitumen mixed with sand, clay, and water).
Formation: Decaying organic matter compressed over time becomes oil.
Bitumen Characteristics: Thick, sticky substance requiring intensive energy and water for extraction and refinement.
Page 8: Fossil Fuel Products from Crude Oil
Fractional Distillation Process
Crude oil is heated in a furnace; vapor flows into a column where hydrocarbons separate based on boiling points.
Products: Include petroleum gas, gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, diesel fuel, motor oil, and asphalt (bitumen).
Page 9: Practice Question (FRQ 6.4)
Identify a US region likely to be a large producer of natural gas.
Describe geological features associated with natural gas reserves in that region.
Page 10: Continuation on Fossil Fuels
Introduction to Section 6.5 focusing on fossil fuels.
Page 11: Environmental Solutions & Learning Objectives
Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels
ENG-3.E: Understand combustion processes that release CO2 and water, generating energy.
Key Points: The combustion of fossil fuels can lead to groundwater contamination (via fracking) and releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Page 12: Fossil Fuel Combustion
Overview of Combustion Process
Fossil fuels undergo combustion in a chemical reaction with oxygen, producing CO2 and water while releasing energy.
Includes methane, gasoline, propane, butane, coal, and biomass usage.
Page 13: Generating Electricity from Fossil Fuels
Electricity Generation Process
Process: Combustion → Heat → Steam → Turbine → Generator → Electricity.
Key Sources for Electricity: Coal, oil, natural gas, biomass, and trash.
Nuclear energy follows a similar process using fission.
Page 14: Environmental Consequences of Coal
Negative Impacts
Habitat destruction for mining operations.
Major greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter when burned; more CO2 produced than other fossil fuels in electricity generation.
Air pollutants such as PM and toxic ash can harm respiratory health and contaminate land.
Page 15: Environmental Consequences of Tar Sands
Impact Assessment
Habitat destruction and water depletion due to necessary infrastructure and extraction.
Water contamination risks from tailing ponds leading to habitat degradation.
Additional CO2 emissions from machinery during extraction and refinement.
Page 16: Environmental Consequences of Crude Oil
Spill Risks and Effects
Potential for spills through tanker accidents or pipeline failures.
Habitat loss during land clearing and oil spills adversely affecting marine life and contaminating water sources.
Page 17: Environmental Consequences of Fracking
Pollution and Water Issues
Risk of groundwater contamination from fracking fluid and hydrocarbons.
Depletion of water resources for fracking and increased earthquake risks.
Page 18: Practice Question (FRQ 6.5)
Explain an environmental consequence of tar sands petroleum extraction and a different consequence of hydraulic fracturing.
Page 19: Introduction to Nuclear Energy
Section 6.6 focusing on nuclear energy sources and their environmental impacts.
Page 20: Learning Objectives on Nuclear Energy
Key Topics
ENG-3.H: Effects of significant nuclear accidents: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima, and their environmental implications.
ENG-3.G: Nuclear energy generation and its characteristics.
Page 21: Nuclear Fission & Radioactivity
Key Concepts
Fission process splits Uranium-235 nuclei, releasing energy and additional neutrons, causing a chain reaction.
Radioactivity: The decay of radioactive isotopes releasing energy independent of fission; defined by half-life (e.g., Cobalt-60).
Page 22: Generating Electricity with Nuclear Energy
Process Overview
Heating water into steam through uranium fission to drive turbines and generate electricity.
Control systems ensure safe operation and prevent meltdowns.
Page 23: Characteristics of Nuclear Energy
Nonrenewable but Cleaner
Nuclear energy is finite due to limited uranium supplies.
Cleaner compared to fossil fuels: no CO2 or air pollutants generated during electricity production, but has waste management challenges.
Page 24: Nuclear Meltdowns
Case Studies
Review notable nuclear accidents and their long-term environmental impacts.
Consequences: Genetic mutations, contaminated soil, and ecological damage caused by radiation exposure following meltdowns.
Page 25: Practice Question (FRQ 6.6)
Identify similarities and differences between nuclear and fossil fuel electricity production processes.